Qualification Specification Project Management Version 1.0 (December 2016)
Qualification Specification: Project Management Page 2 of 25
Qualification Specification: Project Management This qualification specification covers the following qualifications: Qualification Qualification Title Number 603/0881/3 Gateway Qualifications Level 4 Award in Project Management 603/0882/5 Gateway Qualifications Level 5 Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation Projects 603/0883/7 Gateway Qualifications Level 6 Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation Projects Page 3 of 25
Qualification Specification: Project Management About this qualification specification This qualification specification is intended for tutors, assessors, Internal Quality Assurers, Centre Quality Managers and other staff within Gateway Qualifications recognised centres and/or prospective centres. It sets out what is required of the learner in order to achieve each qualification. It also contains information specific to managing and delivering the qualification(s) including specific quality assurance requirements. The guide should be read in conjunction with the Gateway Qualifications Centre Handbook and other publications available on the website which contain more detailed guidance on assessment and verification practice. In order to offer this qualification you must be Gateway Qualifications recognised centre. If your centre is not yet recognised, please contact our Development Team to discuss becoming Gateway Qualifications Recognised Centre: Telephone: 01206 911211 Email: enquiries@gatewayqualifications.org.uk Website: www.gatewayqualifications.org.uk/recognition Page 4 of 25
Qualification Specification: Project Management Contents About this qualification specification... 4 1. Qualification Information... 7 1.1. About the qualification(s)... 7 1.2. Objective... 7 1.3. Key Facts... 7 1.4. Achievement methodology... 8 1.5. Geographical Coverage... 8 1.6. Progression Opportunities... 8 1.7. Relationship with other frameworks... 9 1.8. Funding... 9 1.9. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion... 9 2. Learner Entry Requirements... 10 2.1. Age... 10 2.2. Prior Qualifications... 10 2.3. Prior Skills/Knowledge/Understanding... 10 2.4. Restrictions... 10 2.5. Access to qualifications for learners with disabilities or specific needs... 10 2.6. Additional Requirements/Guidance... 11 2.7. Recruiting Learners with Integrity... 11 3. Achieving the Qualification... 13 3.1. Qualification Structure (Rules of Combination and Unit List)... 13 Gateway Qualifications Level 4 Award in Project Management... 13 Gateway Qualifications Level 5 Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation Projects... 13 Monitoring and Evaluation Projects... 13 Gateway Qualifications Level 6 Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation Projects... 13 Monitoring and Evaluation Projects... 13 3.2. Recognition of Prior Learning... 14 3.3. Links to other qualifications... 14 3.4. Units Details... 15 4. Assessment and Quality Assurance... 23 4.1. Method of Assessment... 23 4.2. Assessment Materials... 23 4.3. Assessment Guidance... 23 4.4. Qualification-Specific Centre Requirements... 23 4.5. Qualification-Specific Tutor/Assessor Requirements... 23 Page 5 of 25
Qualification Specification: Project Management 4.6. Qualification-Specific Quality Assurance Requirements... 23 4.7. Additional Requirements/Guidance... 23 5. What to do next... 24 6. Gateway Qualifications... 24 Page 6 of 25
Qualification Specification: Project Management 1. Qualification Information 1.1. About the qualification(s) The qualifications have been approved by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) that regulates qualifications, examinations and assessments in England. The purpose of these qualifications is to provide continuous professional development in the field of project management. They have been developed with the support of an independent training provider experienced in offering training and development to individuals in and aspiring to management positions. The Level 4 Award in Project Management offers a high-level introduction to the concept of project management and associated tools and strategies while the Level 5 and 6 Certificates on Monitoring and Evaluation Projects focus on evaluation and monitoring and the knowledge and skills needed to plan, carry out and evaluate monitoring and evaluation projects. 1.2. Objective The objective of the Gateway Qualifications Project Management qualifications is to provide continuous professional development and improve knowledge, understanding and skills relating to project management. 1.3. Key Facts Qualification Title Gateway Qualifications Level 4 Award in Project Management Gateway Qualifications Level 5 Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation Projects Gateway Qualifications Level 6 Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation Projects Total Qualification Time Guided Learning Credit Value 60 20 6 130 45 13 180 50 18 Page 7 of 25
Qualification Specification: Project Management Total Qualification Time is the number of notional hours which represents an estimate of the total amount of time that could be reasonably expected to be required for a Learner to achieve and demonstrate the achievement of the level of attainment necessary for the award of the qualification. Total Qualification Time is comprised of the following two elements: The number of hours which an awarding organisation has assigned to a qualification for Guided Learning, and An estimate of the number of hours a Learner will reasonably be likely to spend in preparation, study or any other form of participation in education or training, including assessment, which takes place by but, unlike Guided Learning, not under the Immediate Guidance or Supervision of a lecturer, supervisor, tutor or other appropriate provider of education or training. 1.4. Achievement methodology The qualification will be awarded to learners who successfully achieve an approved combination of units through a Portfolio of Evidence that has been successfully verified and monitored through Gateway Qualifications Quality Assurance process. Achievement is therefore determined by successful completion of unit assessment with no further requirement for additional/summative assessment. 1.5. Geographical Coverage This qualification has been approved by Ofqual to be offered in England. 1.6. Progression Opportunities The Level 4 Award in Project Management can support progression to a management role or a role with project management responsibilities, as part of a wider development package. Successful candidates might also progress to level 5 qualifications in business management, including the Level 5 Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation Projects. The Level 5 and 6 Certificates in Monitoring and Evaluation Projects can support progression to (senior) management roles or support individuals to fulfil their existing job role with a greater degree of competence. The Level 5 Certificate provides direct progression to the Level 6 Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation Projects. Successful candidates might also consider moving on to a masters degree in business. Page 8 of 25
Qualification Specification: Project Management 1.7. Relationship with other frameworks These qualifications have no direct relationship with other frameworks. 1.8. Funding For information regarding potential sources of funding please visit the following websites; The Education Funding Agency http://www.gov.uk/efa The Skills Funding Agency https://www.gov.uk/sfa. 1.9. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion It is Gateway Qualifications aim that there shall be equal opportunities within this organisation and in all the services it provides and within its recognised centres and via the services they provide and so meet the organisation s legal responsibilities to prevent discrimination. In particular it is the organisation s intention that there should be no discrimination on the grounds of a protected characteristic including age, disability, gender assignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation. It is acknowledged that this is not an exhaustive list. Page 9 of 25
Qualification Specification: Project Management 2. Learner Entry Requirements 2.1. Age The approved age range for these qualifications is: 19+ 2.2. Prior Qualifications There is no requirement for learners to have achieved prior qualifications or units prior to undertaking this/these qualifications. 2.3. Prior Skills/Knowledge/Understanding There is no formal requirement for learners to have specific prior skills, knowledge or understanding. However, it would normally be expected that learners entering for the Level 5 Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation Projects would possess a sound understanding of project management in general and have some experience of managing or contributing to the management of projects. Learners entering for the Level 6 Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation Projects would normally have a sound grasp of the knowledge and skills covered by the related Level 5 qualification. 2.4. Restrictions There are no restrictions to entry. 2.5. Access to qualifications for learners with disabilities or specific needs Gateway Qualifications and recognised centres have a responsibility to ensure that the process of assessment is robust and fair and allows the learner to show what they know and can do without compromising the assessment criteria. Gateway Qualification has a duty to permit a reasonable adjustment where an assessment arrangement would put a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage in comparison to someone who is not disabled. The following adaptations are examples of what may be considered for the purposes of facilitating access, as long as they do not impact on any competence standards being tested: adapting assessment materials; Page 10 of 25
Qualification Specification: Project Management adaptation of the physical environment for access purposes; adaptation to equipment; assessment material in an enlarged format or Braille; assessment material on coloured paper or in audio format; British Sign Language (BSL); changing or adapting the assessment method; changing usual assessment arrangements; extra time, e.g. assignment extensions; language modified assessment material; practical assistant; prompter; providing assistance during assessment; reader; scribe; transcript; use of assistive software; using assistive technology; use of CCTV, coloured overlays, low vision aids; use of a different assessment location; use of ICT/responses using electronic devices. It is important to note that not all of the adjustments (as above) will be reasonable, permissible or practical in particular situations. The learner may not need, nor be allowed the same adjustment for all assessments. Learners should be fully involved in any decisions about adjustments/adaptations. This will ensure that individual needs can be met, whilst still bearing in mind the specified assessment criteria for a particular qualification. A reasonable adjustment for a particular learner may be unique to that individual and may not be included in the list of available access arrangements specified above. Details on how to make adjustments for learners is set out in the Reasonable Adjustment and Special Considerations Policy and Procedures. 2.6. Additional Requirements/Guidance There are no additional rules or guidance regarding learner entry requirements. 2.7. Recruiting Learners with Integrity It is vital that centres recruit with integrity with regard to qualifications. Centres must ensure that learners have the correct information and advice on their selected qualifications and that the qualifications will meet their needs. Page 11 of 25
Qualification Specification: Project Management The recruitment process must include the centre assessing each potential learner and making justifiable and professional judgements about the learner s potential to successfully complete the assessment and achieve the qualification. Such an assessment must identify, where appropriate, the support that will be made available to the learner to facilitate access to the qualifications. Page 12 of 25
3. Achieving the Qualification 3.1. Qualification Structure (Rules of Combination and Unit List) The knowledge, skills and understanding that will be assessed as part of the qualification are set out within the unit specifications. These include the learning outcomes and associated assessment criteria. To obtain unit information, please contact Gateway Qualifications who will enable access to our unit library. For information on Recognition of Prior Learning/Exempt and Equivalent units please see section 3.2 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)/Exemptions/Equivalencies Gateway Qualifications Level 4 Award in Project Management Learners must achieve the single mandatory unit. Unit Reference Number Unit Title Level Guided Learning D/615/3675 Project Management 4 20 6 Gateway Qualifications Level 5 Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation Projects Credit Value Learners must achieve the single mandatory unit. Unit Reference Number K/615/3677 Unit Title Level Guided Learning Monitoring and Evaluation Projects Credit Value 5 45 13 Gateway Qualifications Level 6 Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation Projects Learners must achieve the single mandatory unit. Unit Reference Number A/615/3683 Unit Title Level Guided Learning Monitoring and Evaluation Projects Credit Value 6 50 18
3.2. Recognition of Prior Learning Recognition of prior learning is a process that considers if a learner can meet the specified assessment requirements through knowledge, understanding or skills that they already possess and that can contribute towards the attainment of a qualification for which they are undertaking. The process of Recognition for Prior Learning is not applicable to this qualification. 3.3. Links to other qualifications There are no direct links between these three qualifications and other qualifications. Page 14 of 25
3.4. Units Details Unit Title: Project management Unit Reference Number: D/615/3675 Level: Level 4 Guided Learning Hours: 20 Credit Value: 6 Unit Review Date: 31/12/2020 Sector Subject Area: Assessment Guidance: LEARNING OUTCOMES The learner will: 15.1 Accounting and Finance Please refer to the Gateway Qualifications assessment definitions document for guidance on assessment activities and the expectations for assessment practice and evidence for verification. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The learner can: 1 Understand the concept of project management. 1.1 Analyse project management principles and purposes. 1.2 Evaluate critical success factors in successful project management. 1.3 Explain the role of the project manager, distinguishing it from that of the project sponsor. 2 Understand how to plan projects. 2.1 Summarise the different elements of a project plan and their purpose. 2.2 Analyse the key components of effective project planning. 2.3 Explain different planning processes, tools and formats. 3 Understand how to manage projects. 3.1 Analyse the procedures and processes required for different aspects of project management. 3.2 Explain different project management tools and techniques. Page 15 of 25
LEARNING OUTCOMES The learner will: 4 Understand how to monitor and evaluate projects. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The learner can: 4.1 Analyse methods and measures used to monitor and evaluate project performance and outcomes. Page 16 of 25
Unit Title: Monitoring and evaluation projects Unit Reference Number: K/615/3677 Level: Level 5 Guided Learning Hours: 45 Credit Value: 13 Unit Review Date: 31/12/2020 Sector Subject Area: Assessment Guidance: LEARNING OUTCOMES The learner will: 15.1 Accounting and Finance Please refer to the Gateway Qualifications assessment definitions document for guidance on assessment activities and the expectations for assessment practice and evidence for verification. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The learner can: 1 Understand the concept of monitoring and evaluation. 1.1 Analyse the benefits of monitoring and evaluation of projects. 1.2 Evaluate critical success factors in successful monitoring and evaluation of projects. 2 Understand the monitoring and evaluation process. 2.1 Analyse the different elements of the monitoring and evaluation process from inception to closure, summarising the purpose of each element within the process. 2.2 Compare and contrast different methods and techniques associated with the different stages in the process. 2.3 Critically assess the importance of effective decision-making within the monitoring and evaluation process. 2.4 Analyse different techniques used to ensure that decisions are reached in the best interest of the project and are supported by stakeholders. Page 17 of 25
LEARNING OUTCOMES The learner will: 3 Understand stakeholder management in the context of monitoring and evaluation projects. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The learner can: 3.1 Evaluate the importance of stakeholder management during the monitoring and evaluation process. 3.2 Critically assess different techniques for managing and resolving conflict and resistance to change during the monitoring and evaluation process. 4 Be able to design a monitoring and evaluation process for a project. 4.1 Design a monitoring and evaluation process which is fit for purpose for the scope, scale and focus of a specific project. 5 Understand data collection and analysis in the context of a monitoring and evaluation project. 5.1 Critically assess different methods and tools for quantitative and qualitative data collection, assessing their relevance in relation to different purposes, circumstances and stakeholder groups. 5.2 Critically assess different data analysis tools and approaches, analysing where and when each is most appropriate. 5.3 Summarise ways to store data safely and so that it can be easily retrieved, interrogated and analysed. 6 Be able to collect and analyse data in the context of a monitoring and evaluation project. 6.1 Select appropriate methods and tools for quantitative and qualitative data collection for a specific project. 6.2 Design tools that are fit-for-purpose and accessible for the stakeholder groups being consulted. 6.3 Follow relevant codes of practice/ethics when collecting data. Page 18 of 25
LEARNING OUTCOMES The learner will: ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The learner can: 6.4 Select and apply analysis methods and tools, appropriate to the data being analysed. 6.5 Store data effectively and securely. 7 Be able to report on the outcomes of a monitoring and evaluation project. 7.1 Critically assess different reporting styles and formats. 7.2 Select a style and format appropriate for reporting on a specific monitoring and evaluation project and suitable for the audience(s). 7.3 Report on project outcomes accurately, following conventions of chosen format, and with due regard for intended audience(s). 8 Be able to review the monitoring and evaluation process. 8.1 Summarise the importance of learning and feedback within and at the end of the monitoring and evaluation process. 8.2 Critically review the effectiveness of the monitoring and evaluation process at key stages of a specific project, including on completion. 8.3 Capture in an appropriate format lessons learned during a specific monitoring and evaluation process, and how these might support improved practice in the future. Page 19 of 25
Unit Title: Monitoring and evaluation projects Unit Reference Number: A/615/3683 Level: Level 6 Guided Learning Hours: 50 Credit Value: 18 Unit Review Date: 31/12/2020 Sector Subject Area: Assessment Guidance: LEARNING OUTCOMES The learner will: 15.1 Accounting and Finance Please refer to the Gateway Qualifications assessment definitions document for guidance on assessment activities and the expectations for assessment practice and evidence for verification. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA The learner can: 1 Be able to develop a business case for a monitoring and evaluation project. 1.1 Present the benefits (financial and otherwise) of a specific monitoring and evaluation project to a project sponsor, drawing on appropriate data and using a suitably persuasive approach. 2 Understand influences on monitoring and evaluation strategy. 2.1 Critically assess the internal and external influences which drive the project definition and approach taken in monitoring and evaluation projects. 3 Understand stakeholder management. 3.1 Analyse the challenges in identifying project stakeholders and understanding and managing their differing needs and expectations. 3.2 Critically assess different methods and techniques for managing stakeholder needs and expectations. 3.3 Assess the value of modelling in helping to define and communicate to stakeholders the change that the project is intended to deliver. Page 20 of 25
4 Be able to develop a stakeholder management and communication strategy. 4.1 Develop a strategy for managing and communicating with stakeholders at different points in the life cycle of a specific monitoring and evaluation project in order to: explain the intended change and progress towards achieving it manage their needs and expectations 5 Understand project requirements, critical success factors and key performance indicators for monitoring and evaluation projects. 5.1 Critically assess the importance of eliciting project requirements. 5.2 Explain ways to manage project requirements and ensure their traceability. 5.3 Compare and contrast the function of critical success factors and key performance indicators within monitoring and evaluation projects. 5.4 Analyse the features of effective critical success factors and key performance indicators. 6 Be able to set project requirements, critical success factors and key performance indicators for a monitoring and evaluation project. 6.1 Elicit clearly defined requirements for a specific monitoring and evaluation project. 6.2 Define critical success factors and key performance indicators for a specific project, which relate appropriately to organisational objectives and together form a balanced set. 7 Understand scope and change management in the context of monitoring and evaluation projects. 7.1 Analyse the challenges of responding to change requests while remaining within the agreed scope of a monitoring and evaluation project. 7.2 Critically assess different scope management techniques. Page 21 of 25
7.3 Evaluate the importance of a stable change control process. 8 Understand how to lead and manage a team undertaking monitoring and evaluation projects. 8.1 Summarise the attributes of an effective leader, illustrating how these can be applied to ensure delivery of monitoring and evaluation project outcomes. 8.2 Explain how different leadership theories can be applied to improve project performance. 8.3 Analyse the characteristics of effective team management in the context of monitoring and evaluation projects. 8.4 Critically assess the importance of building a culture of continuous learning and development within the project team (and wider organisation) and methods for achieving this. 9 Be able to report on monitoring and evaluation project impact and outcomes. 9.1 Report accurately and in an appropriate format and style for the intended audience(s) on outcomes from a specific monitoring and evaluation project. 9.2 Analyse the sustainability of the impact achieved, given local capacity and capability, indicating where further support from the delivery organisation may be required. Page 22 of 25
4. Assessment and Quality Assurance The following are in addition to the standard assessment and quality assurance requirements set out in the Gateway Qualifications Centre Handbook. 4.1. Method of Assessment The method of assessment for the qualifications is through a portfolio of evidence. 4.2. Assessment Materials There are no specific assessment materials provided for these qualifications. 4.3. Assessment Guidance There is no additional assessment guidance for these qualifications. 4.4. Qualification-Specific Centre Requirements Centres must ensure that they have the appropriate resources in place when delivering performance units from vocational areas. 4.5. Qualification-Specific Tutor/Assessor Requirements Tutor/Assessors must be fully qualified and experienced in the subject area in which they are delivering, details of which must be provided to Gateway Qualifications as part of the Qualification Approval application. 4.6. Qualification-Specific Quality Assurance Requirements There are no additional internal/external quality assurance requirements for these qualifications. 4.7. Additional Requirements/Guidance There are no additional requirements that Learners must satisfy in order for assessment to be undertaken and the unit/qualification to be awarded. Page 23 of 25
5. What to do next For existing centres please contact your named Development Manager or Development Officer. For organisations, not yet registered as Gateway Qualifications centre please contact: Gateway Qualifications Gateway House 3 Tollgate Business Park Colchester CO3 8AB Tel: 01206 911211 Email: enquiries@gatewayqualifications.org.uk 6. Gateway Qualifications Gateway Qualifications, a not for profit registered charity, is an Awarding Organisation based in Colchester. We work with learning providers and industry experts to design and develop qualifications that benefit the learner and the employer. We support flexible, responsive and quality assured learning opportunities whether it s in the classroom, at work, in the community or through distance learning. We are recognised by Ofqual, to design, develop and submit qualifications to the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Page 24 of 25
Gateway Qualifications Gateway House 3 Tollgate Business Park Colchester CO3 8AB 01206 911211 enquiries@gatewayqualifications.org.uk www.gatewayqualifications.org.uk Page 25 of 25